Abstract
Abstract. We present a simple statistical approach for estimating the greenhouse gas emissions of large cities using accurate long-term data of column-averaged greenhouse gas abundances collected by a nearby FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectrometer. This approach is then used to estimate carbon dioxide emissions from Tokyo. FTIR measurements by the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) derive gas abundances by quantitative spectral analysis of molecular absorption bands observed in near-infrared solar absorption spectra. Consequently these measurements only include daytime data. The emissions of Tokyo are derived by binning measurements according to wind direction and subtracting measurements of wind fields from outside the Tokyo area from measurements of wind fields from inside the Tokyo area. We estimate the average yearly carbon dioxide emissions from the area of Tokyo to be 70±21±6MtCyr-1 between 2011 and 2016, calculated using only measurements from the TCCON site in Tsukuba (north-east of Tokyo) and wind-speed data from nearby radiosondes at Tateno. The uncertainties are estimated from the distribution of values and uncertainties of parameters (±21) and from the differences between fitting residuals with polynomials or with sines and cosines (±6). Our estimates are a factor of 1.7 higher than estimates using the Open-Data Inventory for Anthropogenic Carbon dioxide emission inventory (ODIAC), but when results are scaled by the expected daily cycle of emissions, measurements simulated from ODIAC data are within the uncertainty of our results. The goal of this study is not to calculate the best possible estimate of CO2 emissions but to describe a simple method which can be replicated easily and uses only observation data.
Highlights
Anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide are the strongest long-term control on global climate (Collins et al, 2013, Fig. 12.3, p. 1046), and the Paris agreement “recognizes the important role of providing incentives for emission reduction activities, including tools such as domestic policies and carbon pricing“ (UNFCCC secretariat, 2015)
Tions (e.g. Basu et al, 2011; Meesters et al, 2012; van der Velde et al, 2014; Babenhauserheide et al, 2015; van der Laan-Luijkx et al, 2017), but due to short mission times of satellites and differential measurement campaigns and high uncertainties when using in situ data, long-term changes in emissions are typically derived from economic fossil fuel and energy consumption data (e.g. Bureau of the Environment Tokyo, 2010; Andres et al, 2011; van der Velde et al, 2014; Le Quéré et al, 2015, 2016)
The aim of our study is to provide an estimate of the CO2 emissions of Tokyo, Japan, by correlating measured XCO2 with wind speed and direction, resulting in a measurementdriven approach to derive the annual carbon dioxide emissions of Tokyo city (Japan)
Summary
Anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide are the strongest long-term control on global climate (Collins et al, 2013, Fig. 12.3, p. 1046), and the Paris agreement “recognizes the important role of providing incentives for emission reduction activities, including tools such as domestic policies and carbon pricing“ (UNFCCC secretariat, 2015). Basu et al, 2011; Meesters et al, 2012; van der Velde et al, 2014; Babenhauserheide et al, 2015; van der Laan-Luijkx et al, 2017), but due to short mission times of satellites and differential measurement campaigns and high uncertainties when using in situ data, long-term changes in emissions are typically derived from economic fossil fuel and energy consumption data (e.g. Bureau of the Environment Tokyo, 2010; Andres et al, 2011; van der Velde et al, 2014; Le Quéré et al, 2015, 2016). We use 4 years of measurements at the TCCON site at Tsukuba, Japan, along with radiosonde measurements of daily local wind profiles This method provides an approach to estimate city emissions which is inexpensive when compared to satellite missions while being easy to reproduce and to establish, and it is suitable for long-term monitoring. Continued measurements will allow tracking of the change in emissions
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